Feeling Under The Weather

The Feeling Under the Weather campaign urges older people to seek early advice from their pharmacist for minor winter illnesses. It is targeted at the over 60s, and also at those who often look after an older friend, neighbour or relative.

Dr Heather Gorringe, Chair for NHS Warwickshire North CCG, said: “The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather. A well-stocked medicine cabinet will help you be prepared for treating coughs, colds and flu. Winter always brings a rise in illness as the colder weather makes older people, in particular, more vulnerable to infections and can make heart and respiratory problems worse.”

Dr John Linnane, Director of Public Health Warwickshire, said: “We know that there are some people who don't seek advice early enough for symptoms or illnesses they may be experiencing, and some people may not be aware that they can access health advice and support from their local pharmacists for a number of minor conditions, and this support may prevent people becoming more unwell and help them to get back on their feet again more quickly.

“However, we also know that prevention is better than cure, and there are a number of things that people can do to keep themselves healthy this winter, such as making sure they get a flu vaccination if they are entitled to one, keeping their house warm and seeking support if they are unable to, and making sure to wash hands regularly with soap and water to keep those winter tummy bugs and cold/flu illnesses at bay."

If you’re over 60 a minor illness can get worse quickly. The campaign encourages people with a bad cough, trouble breathing, a cold or sore throat, to pop down to their local pharmacy for quick health advice. It also asks those caring for or visiting an older friend or relative to get early advice from their local pharmacist or from www.nhs.uk/asap if they are feeling under the weather.

People often don’t seek advice for their wheezes, coughs and sneezes, because they don’t think it’s serious enough, or they don’t want to waste their pharmacist’s time. But no problem is too small for your local pharmacist, who is a highly trained and trusted source of health advice.

The ‘Feeling under the weather?’ campaign is supported by a number of partners including: NHS Coventry and Rugby CCG, NHS South Warwickshire CCG, NHS Warwickshire North CCG, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, Public Health Warwickshire, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust.